Bag storage and loading unit

ABSTRACT

A bag storage and loading unit includes a first arm and a second arm substantially parallel with and spaced a distance from the first arm to define an interior space having a width measured between the first and second arms. A first upwardly-open hook member extends laterally from the first arm into the interior space. The first hook member is configured to retain a plurality of handles of a plurality of bags that are in a storage orientation in the interior space. A second upwardly-open hook member extends laterally from the second arm into the interior space. The second hook member is configured to retain one handle of one of the plurality of bags that is in a loading orientation, such that the plurality of bags may be opened with a side-to-side movement.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/103,116, filed Oct. 6, 2008 and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/045,883, filed Apr. 17, 2008, the entire contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to an apparatus for use with bags, such as grocery bags or other bags used in commercial settings. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus configured to conveniently store bags, for example, non-form-stable bags, while simultaneously holding one of the bags in an open configuration for loading.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the invention provides a bag storage and loading unit including a first arm and a second arm substantially parallel with and spaced a distance from the first arm to define an interior space having a width measured between the first and second arms. A first upwardly-open hook member extends laterally from the first arm into the interior space. The first hook member is configured to retain a plurality of handles of a plurality of bags that are in a storage orientation in the interior space. A second upwardly-open hook member extends laterally from the second arm into the interior space. The second hook member is configured to retain one handle of one of the plurality of bags that is in a loading orientation, such that the plurality of bags may be opened with a side-to-side movement.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a bag storage and loading unit including a base, a pair of upright supports coupled to the base and extending upwardly therefrom, and a pair of arms. A first arm extends from a first one of the pair of upright supports defining a left side of the bag storage and loading unit, and a second arm extends from a second one of the pair of upright supports defining a right side of the bag storage and loading unit. The second arm extends substantially parallel to the first arm. A first hook member is coupled to the first arm and extends in a direction substantially toward the second arm. A second hook member is coupled to the second arm and extends in a direction substantially toward the first arm, such that bags stored on one of the first and second hook members may be opened with a side-to-side movement.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a bag storage and loading unit including a first arm and a second arm substantially parallel with and spaced a distance from the first arm to define an interior space having a width measured between the first and second arms. A first hook member is coupled to the first arm and extends a first length into the interior space. A second hook member is coupled to the second arm and extends a second length, less than the first length, into the interior space. Both the first and second hook members are canted upwardly above horizontal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a frame assembly of a bag storage and loading unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the frame assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the frame assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the frame assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the bag storage and loading unit provided with a plurality of bags, some of which are in a storage orientation and one of which is in a loading orientation.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bag storage and loading unit of an alternate construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a bag storage and loading unit 20 for use with bags 24 (FIG. 5) such as grocery bags, for example. The bags 24 may be re-usable bags made of cotton, canvas, or another natural or man-made material and having a pair of opposed handles 28 for grasping and carrying the bags 24 and their contents. The bags 24 may be less form-stable than standard paper grocery bags, and thus, less likely to stand upright and stay open on their own during loading of the bags 24, for example at a grocery store checkout. The illustrated bag storage and loading unit 20 is useful to support a plurality of such bags 24, at least one of the bags 24A being held in an upright, open condition (i.e., a loading orientation) as shown in FIG. 5 for easy loading by a store patron or employee.

The storage and loading unit 20 includes a frame assembly 32 and a base 36 to which the frame assembly 32 is coupled. The base 36 is not illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 for clarity in illustrating the features of the frame assembly 32. The base 36 is constructed of plastic in a block form. Other materials and configurations may be used, such as one or more sheet metal plates, for example. The illustrated frame assembly 32 is constructed of metal, wire-like components that are bent and interconnected as shown. Other materials and/or geometric configurations may be employed in alternate constructions. The lower portion of the frame assembly 32 includes a plurality of prongs 38 that engage the base 36 to couple the frame assembly 32 to the base 36 at a plurality of locations. The frame assembly 32 further includes a plurality of upright supports or legs 40, which are braced with generally horizontal cross members 44. Two arms 48 extend outwardly from the upper portions of the upright supports 40, one defining a left side of the unit 20 and one defining a right side of the unit 20 (as viewed from the front as in FIG. 2). It should be noted that the arms 48 may be supported in ways other than that shown. The arms 48 are substantially parallel and spaced apart from each other to define an internal space having a width W1 (FIGS. 2 and 3) measured between the arms 48. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal space is bordered on the bottom by the base 36. In some constructions, the width W1 of the internal space is between about 250 millimeters and about 400 millimeters. The internal space can include a storage space and a loading space as described in further detail below.

A first hook member 52 extends laterally from a first one of the arms 48 into the interior space towards the opposing second arm 48. A second hook member 56 extends laterally from the second arm 48 into the interior space towards the opposing first arm 48. The first hook member 52 has a length of extension X1 into the interior space that is greater than a length of extension X2 of the second hook member 56 into the interior space (FIGS. 2 and 3). In some constructions, the first hook member 52 extends into the interior space at least twice as far as the second hook member 56. In some constructions, the length X1 is between about 2 and about 5 times as large as X2. The first hook member 52 is longer so that a plurality of bags 24 may be held in ready reserve in a storage orientation, as shown in FIG. 5, while a first bag 24A is held in a loading orientation. In the illustrated construction, bags 24 are stored on the left side of the bag storage and loading unit 20 (as viewed from the front as in FIG. 2). The height of the hook members 52, 56 above the base 36 is configured relative to the bag height such that the bag 24A (in the loading orientation) is not only held open, but also substantially fully upright with the bottom of the bag 24A supported by the base 36 when the respective handles 28 of the first bag 24A are supported by the respective hook members 52, 56.

The first hook member 52 includes a first, substantially lateral (i.e., horizontally extending) portion 52A and a second, substantially upright (i.e., vertically extending) portion 52B. In the illustrated construction, the first and second portions 52A, 52B are oriented at 90 degrees relative to each other, although alternate angular arrangements are optional. The open side of the first hook member 52 (i.e., the side defining the 90 degree angle between the first and second portions 52A, 52B) faces generally upwardly, such that a handle 28 of one of the bags 24 is retained on the first hook member 52 until a deliberate effort is made to lift the handle 28 off of the first hook member 52. As shown in FIG. 2, the first hook member 52 is canted slightly upwardly such that the first portion 52A makes an angle α1, above horizontal. The angle α1 is at least about 3 degrees above horizontal, and in some constructions, is about 5 degrees above horizontal.

Similar to the first hook member 52, the second hook member 56 includes a first, substantially lateral portion 56A and a second, substantially upright portion 56B. In the illustrated construction, the first and second portions 56A, 56B are oriented at 90 degrees relative to each other, although alternate angular arrangements are optional. Also similar to the first hook member 52, the open side of the second hook member 56 faces generally upwardly, such that a handle 28 of one of the bags 24 is retained on the second hook member 56 until a deliberate effort is made to lift the handle 28 off of the second hook member 56. As shown in FIG. 2, the second hook member 56 is canted slightly upwardly such that the first portion 56A makes an angle α2, above horizontal. The angle α2 is at least about 10 degrees above horizontal, and in some constructions, is about 15 degrees above horizontal.

As described briefly above, the interior space of the bag storage and loading unit 20 includes a portion designated as a storage space and another portion designated as a loading space. The length of extension X1 of the first hook member 52 generally defines the width of the storage space. In some constructions, the length of extension X1 of the first hook member 52 is between about 25 percent and about 40 percent of the width of the interior space such that the storage space is about 25-40 percent of the interior space. The width W2 of the loading space is generally designated by the distance between the respective interior ends of the first and second hook members 52, 56 as shown in FIG. 3. In some constructions, the width W2 of the loading space is between about 50 percent and about 75 percent of the width W1 of the interior space. It should be understood that the actual positioning of a bag during storage or loading may vary depending upon the bag size, handle size, positioning by the user, etc., and that the terms “storage space” and “loading space” are utilized for convenience in best describing the features of the bag storage and loading unit 20 and use of the same. For example, if a very large bag is placed into the storage and loading unit 20, it may extend a width larger than the loading space as defined above when in the loading orientation. Conversely, if a large number of bags 24 are placed on the first hook member 52 in the storage orientation, the width of the effective loading space may be limited.

To use the bag storage and loading unit 20 to store and load a plurality of bags 24, the first hook member 52 is first loaded with the plurality of bags 24 by looping the handles 28 of the bags 24 over the first hook member 52. To put the first bag 24A from the storage orientation to the loading orientation, the handle 28 on the exposed side of the bag 24A is extended from the first hook member 52 to the second hook member 56. Thus, the bag 24A is opened from the storage orientation into the loading orientation in a side-to-side movement.

The distance W2 between the first and second hook members 52, 56 can be slightly larger than the natural width of the bags 24 (which may, in some constructions, be the same or similar to standardized paper grocery bags) such that the bags 24 are urged open with the handles 28 held out of the way for convenient loading when in the loading orientation. After the first bag 24A is loaded, it may be lifted out of the storage and loading unit 20 by removing the handles 28 from the hook members 52, 56. The next sequential stored bag 24 may subsequently be put into the loading orientation with a side-to-side movement.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bag storage and loading unit 120 of an alternate construction, in which the arms 148 are not supported by upright supports or a base. Except as otherwise noted, the storage and loading unit 120 of FIG. 6 is similar to that of FIGS. 1-5, and similar reference numbers in the 100's are used for parts similar to those of the bag storage and loading unit 20 described above. The two arms 148 of the bag storage and loading unit 120 of FIG. 6 are coupled to a common mounting member 180, which is in turn mounted to a pre-existing structure (e.g., a substantially vertical surface 185), such that the storage and loading unit 120 is not self-supporting or free-standing. In the illustrated construction, the mounting member 180 includes a plurality of mounting apertures 190 that receive a corresponding plurality of fasteners 195 that are used to fix the bag storage and loading unit 120 to the surface 185.

The pre-existing structure may include any structure able to support the storage and loading unit 120 in position to support bags in an upright position to be stored and loaded. Such a pre-existing structure may include a rotating carousel, a side surface of a cashier counter, or a wall of a building, among others. In further constructions, the arms 148 can be individually mounted, with a predetermined distance therebetween, to the pre-existing structure without a common mounting member.

In some constructions, the bag storage and loading unit 120 may be modified to be configured to rest atop a counter or similar pre-existing structure. For example, the bag storage and loading unit 120 can be modified to include a horizontally extending mounting member (e.g., similar to the mounting member 180 illustrated in FIG. 6, but configured to mount to a substantially horizontal surface) that is fastened to the pre-existing structure such that the storage and loading unit 120 is not self-supporting or free-standing and may be supported in a convenient location on the side of a counter, slightly below the top surface of the counter.

In some constructions, the bag storage and loading unit 20 may be modified to be particularly configured for use with bags of a size and/or shape different from that of the illustrated bags 24. For example, the bag storage and loading unit 20 can be modified to be taller to accommodate bags that are taller than those illustrated in FIG. 5, while supporting the taller bags with the base 36 while in the loading orientation so that the bags are upright and do not sag.

In some constructions, the bag storage and loading unit 20 may be modified as a dual purpose unit configured to include separate structure(s) in addition to the hook members 52, 56 to store and dispense bags of a different type. For example, the frame assembly 32 of the bag storage and loading unit 20 can include an additional portion configured to store and dispense single-use bags constructed of a thin sheet material, commonly referred to as “plastic bags”. The additional portion may be arranged substantially back-to-back with the frame assembly 32 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 and may be detachably or permanently coupled to the illustrated frame assembly 32. The base 36 can be modified to be rotatable so that the frame assembly 32 may easily be rotated about a vertical axis. Therefore, a patron or store employee using the modified storage and loading unit to load bags may stand in one location and choose to load products into either type of bag provided on the storage and loading unit by simply rotating it until the desired type of bag faces the user.

In some constructions, the base 36 is hinged to the frame assembly 32 to selectively pivot between an upright, stored position and a deployed, horizontal position in which the base 36 is configured to support bags 24 and their contents from below during loading, especially in a construction in which the storage and loading unit 20 is not free-standing. As desired, the base 36 can be pivoted up to the stored position. Furthermore, the arms 48 may fold relative to the legs 40 to drastically reduce the overall size of the storage and loading unit 20 for space saving during shipping, periods of non-use, etc. Although not illustrated as such, one or both of the arms 48 may be spring-biased to an open or deployed position, which may assist in urging a bag 24 in the loading position into an open configuration to easily receive products. Furthermore, one or both of the hook members 52, 56 may be hinged and collapsible relative to the arms 48, with or without biasing springs. 

1. A bag storage and loading unit comprising: a first arm; a second arm substantially parallel with and spaced a distance from the first arm to define an interior space having a width measured between the first and second arms; a first upwardly-open hook member extending from the first arm, the first hook member extending laterally into the interior space, the first hook member being configured to retain a plurality of handles of a plurality of bags that are in a storage orientation in the interior space; and a second upwardly-open hook member extending from the second arm, the second hook member extending laterally into the interior space, the second hook member being configured to retain one handle of one of the plurality of bags that is in a loading orientation, such that the plurality of bags may be opened with a side-to-side movement.
 2. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 1, wherein the first hook member extends into the interior space a first length and the second hook member extends into the interior space a second length, and the first length is greater than the second length.
 3. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 2, wherein the first length is greater than the second length by a factor between about 2 and about
 5. 4. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 2, wherein the first length of the first hook member is between about 25 percent and about 40 percent of the width of the interior space, and respective interior ends of the first and second hook members are spaced apart a distance between about 50 percent and about 75 percent of the width of the interior space.
 5. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 1, wherein both the first and second hook members are canted upwardly above horizontal.
 6. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 5, wherein the first hook member and the second hook member are canted upwardly at dissimilar angles above horizontal.
 7. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 6, wherein the first hook member is canted upwardly at a first angle of at least about 3 degrees above horizontal and the second hook member is canted upwardly at a second angle of at least about 10 degrees above horizontal.
 8. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 7, wherein the first angle is about 5 degrees and the second angle is about 15 degrees.
 9. A bag storage and loading unit comprising: a base; a pair of upright supports coupled to the base and extending upwardly therefrom; a first arm extending from a first one of the pair of upright supports defining a left side of the bag storage and loading unit; a second arm extending from a second one of the pair of upright supports defining a right side of the bag storage and loading unit, the second arm extending substantially parallel to the first arm; a first hook member coupled to the first arm and extending in a direction substantially toward the second arm; and a second hook member coupled to the second arm and extending in a direction substantially toward the first arm, such that bags stored on one of the first and second hook members may be opened with a side-to-side movement.
 10. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 9, wherein the first hook member extends a first length and the second hook member extends a second length, and the first length is greater than the second length.
 11. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 10, wherein the first and second arms define an interior width therebetween, the first length of the first hook member being between about 25 percent and about 40 percent of the interior width, and respective interior ends of the first and second hook members are spaced apart a distance between about 50 percent and about 75 percent of the interior width.
 12. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 9, wherein the first hook member and the second hook member are canted upwardly above horizontal.
 13. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 12, wherein the first hook member is canted upwardly at a first angle of at least about 3 degrees above horizontal and the second hook member is canted upwardly at a second angle of at least about 10 degrees above horizontal.
 14. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 9, wherein the base is rotatable about a vertical axis.
 15. A bag storage and loading unit comprising: a first arm; a second arm substantially parallel with and spaced a distance from the first arm to define an interior space having a width measured between the first and second arms; a first hook member coupled to the first arm and extending a first length into the interior space; and a second hook member coupled to the second arm and extending a second length, less than the first length, into the interior space, wherein both the first and second hook members are canted upwardly above horizontal.
 16. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 15, wherein the first length of the first hook member is between about 25 percent and about 40 percent of the width of the interior space.
 17. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 15, wherein the first hook member and the second hook member are canted upwardly at dissimilar angles above horizontal.
 18. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 17, wherein the first hook member is canted upwardly at a first angle of at least about 3 degrees above horizontal and the second hook member is canted upwardly at a second angle of at least about 10 degrees above horizontal.
 19. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 15, wherein the first and second arms are coupled to a common mounting member.
 20. The bag storage and loading unit of claim 15, wherein respective interior ends of the first and second hook members are spaced apart a distance between about 50 percent and about 75 percent of the width of the interior space. 